Implementing a second computer system as an interface for first computer system

ABSTRACT

A method, system, and program for using a second computer system as an input interface for a first computer system are provided. A second independent computer system is docked into a first computer system. Then, the first computer system uses at least one of an input interface and an output interface of the second independent computer system as a peripheral device for interfacing with the first computer system. While the second independent computer system is undocked from the first computer system at least one of the input interface and the output interface of the second independent computer system are peripheral devices for interfacing solely with the second independent computer system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates in general to data processingsystems and, in particular, to interfacing for independent computersystems. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to usinga second independent computer system as an input or output interface fora first computer system.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The development of portable electronics devices includes personaldigital assistants (PDAs), portable wireless telephony devices, portableelectronic writing tablets, portable electronic book devices, personalportable gaming systems, and a variety of other devices designed withportability in mind. Basically, a portable electronics device is acomputer system designed with a specific purpose. Most portableelectronics devices do not include all the hardware functions of alarger computer system, such as a desktop computer or laptop computer.

[0005] In particular, larger computer systems typically include morememory and greater processing power than a portable electronic device.Therefore, many portable electronics devices are designed to connect toanother computer system in some manner. For example, a portableelectronics device may connect to another computer system to access dataand software.

[0006] A typical portable electronics device is a personal digitalassistant (PDA). PDA's often include a port for connecting with a largercomputer system loaded with PDA specified software. A user may enter anaddress directly to the PDA or may enter the address at the largercomputer system running the PDA specified software. The larger computersystem, upon receiving a request to synchronize data with the PDA,compares the data on the PDA with the PDA data input to the largercomputer system and transfers data to synchronize the data between thesystems. Synchronization of the data on a PDA with the data on a largercomputer system is an advantageous feature. There is a need, however, toprovide further interfacing between a larger computer system and a PDA.For example, there is a need to utilize the input interfaces and inputprocessing available on a PDA as inputs to a larger computer system.Further, while PDAs provide great functionality to the userindependently, PDAs should enhance the functionality of a largercomputer system. For example, there is a need for improved security inaccess to data on larger computer systems, where a PDA might be used asa key to access the data in the computer system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide an improved data processing system.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide amethod, system and program for interfacing for independent computersystems.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide amethod, system and program for using a second independent computersystem as an input or output interface for a first computer system.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a secondindependent computer system is docked into a first computer system.Then, the first computer system uses at least one of an input interfaceand an output interface of the second independent computer system as aperipheral device for interfacing with the first computer system. Whilethe second independent computer system is undocked from the firstcomputer system at least one of the input interface and the outputinterface of the second independent computer system are peripheraldevices for interfacing solely with the second independent computersystem.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, while thesecond independent computer system is docked into the first computersystem, the first computer system synchronizes the data between the twosystems.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, accessto the first computer system is enabled only when the second independentcomputer system is docked into the first computer system.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the present invention, thesecond independent computer system is the only input device to the firstindependent computer system.

[0014] All objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent in the following detailed written description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention areset forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as wellas a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, willbest be understood by reference to the following detailed description ofan illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a computer system with which themethod, system and program of the present invention may be utilized;

[0017]FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of a computer system with aninternal docking system for a portable electronic device, in accordancewith the method, system, and program of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a computer system with anexternal docking system for a portable electronic device, in accordancewith the method, system, and program of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of the computer system of FIG. 2with a portable electronic device as an input device, in accordance withthe method, system, and program of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of the computer system of FIG. 3,with a portable electronic device as an input device, in accordance withthe method, system, and program of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 depicts a high level logic flowchart of a process andprogram for controlling a portable electronic device in accordance withthe method, system, and program of the present invention; and

[0022]FIG. 7 depicts a high level logic flowchart of a process andprogram for controlling a main computer in accordance with the method,system, and program of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

[0024] The present invention may be executed in a variety of systems,including a variety of computing systems and electronic devices under anumber of different operating systems. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the computing system is a portable electronic device such asa palmtop computer, a personal digital assistant, a telephone device orother electronic computing system that may also incorporatecommunications features that provide for telephony, enhanced telephony,messaging and information services. The computing system, however, mayalso be a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, anetwork computer, a midrange computer, a server system or a mainframecomputer. Therefore, in general, the present invention is preferablyexecuted in a computer system that performs computing tasks such asmanipulating data in storage that is accessible to the computer system.In addition, the computer system preferably includes at least one outputdevice and at least one input device.

[0025] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, thereis depicted one embodiment of a computer system with which the method,system and program of the present invention may advantageously beutilized. Computer system 10 includes a bus 22 or other communicationdevice for communicating information within computer system 10, and atleast one processing device such as processor 12, coupled to bus 22 forprocessing information. Bus 22 preferably includes low-latency andhigher latency paths that are connected by bridges and controlled withincomputer system 10 by multiple bus controllers.

[0026] Processor 12 may be a general-purpose processor such as IBM'sPowerPC™ processor that, during normal operation, processes data underthe control of operating system and application software stored in adynamic storage device such as random access memory (RAM) 14 and astatic storage device such as Read Only Memory (ROM) 16. The operatingsystem preferably provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to the user.In a preferred embodiment, application software contains machineexecutable instructions that when executed on processor 12 carry out theoperations depicted in the flowchart of FIGS. 6 and 7, and othersdescribed herein. Alternatively, the steps of the present inventionmight be performed by specific hardware components that containhardwired logic for performing the steps, or by any combination ofprogrammed computer components and custom hardware components.

[0027] The present invention may be provided as a computer programproduct, included on a machine-readable medium having stored thereon themachine executable instructions used to program computer system 10 toperform a process according to the present invention. The term“machine-readable medium” as used herein includes any medium thatparticipates in providing instructions to processor 12 or othercomponents of computer system 10 for execution. Such a medium may takemany forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatilemedia, and transmission media. Common forms of non-volatile mediainclude, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk,magnetic tape or any other magnetic medium, a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM)or any other optical medium, punch cards or any other physical mediumwith patterns of holes, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM(EPROM), electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a flash memory, any other memorychip or cartridge, or any other medium from which computer system 10 canread and which is suitable for storing instructions. In the presentembodiment, an example of a non-volatile medium is mass storage device18. Volatile media include dynamic memory such as RAM 14. Transmissionmedia include coaxial cables, copper wire or fiber optics, including thewires that comprise bus 22. Transmission media can also take the form ofacoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio frequencyor infrared data communications.

[0028] Moreover, the present invention may be downloaded as a computerprogram product, wherein the program instructions may be transferredfrom a remote computer such as a server 39 to requesting computer system10 by way of data signals embodied in a carrier wave or otherpropagation medium via a network link 34 (e.g., a modem or networkconnection) to a communications interface 32 coupled to bus 22.Communications interface 32 provides a two- way data communicationscoupling to network link 34 that may be connected, for example, to alocal area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or as depictedherein, directly to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 37. Inparticular, network link 34 may provide wired and/or wireless networkcommunications to one or more networks.

[0029] ISP 37 in turn provides data communication services through theInternet 38 or other network. Internet 38 may refer to the worldwidecollection of networks and gateways that use a particular protocol, suchas Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), tocommunicate with one another. ISP 37 and Internet 38 both useelectrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital datastreams. The signals through the various networks and the signals onnetwork link 34 and through communication interface 32, which carry thedigital data to and from computer system 10, are exemplary forms ofcarrier waves transporting the information.

[0030] Further, multiple peripheral components may be added to computersystem 10, connected to an input/output (I/O) controller 11 coupled tobus 22. It will be understood that multiple types of ports, slots, andmodules may be controlled by I/O controller 11. For example, an audioinput/output device 28 is attached to I/O controller 11 for controllingaudio input through a microphone or other sound or lip motion capturingdevice and for controlling audio output through a speaker or other audioprojection device. A display 24 is also attached to I/O controller 11for providing visual, tactile or other graphical representation formats.A keyboard 26 and cursor control device 30, such as a mouse, trackball,or cursor direction keys, are coupled to I/O controller 11 as interfacesfor user inputs to computer system 10. A portable electronic device 31is attached to I/O controller 11 for multiple purposes. Portableelectronic device 31 may synchronize data with computer system 10 orreceive downloaded information from computer system 10. In addition,portable electronic device 31 may act as an interface for user inputs tocomputer system 10. Further, portable electronic device 31 may becharged via the power supply available to computer system 10. Inalternate embodiments of the present invention, additional input andoutput peripheral components may be added.

[0031] With reference now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a block diagramof a computer system with an internal docking system for a portableelectronic device, in accordance with the method, system, and program ofthe present invention. As depicted, a portable computer system 50,similar to computer system 10 of FIG. 1, includes as peripheral devicesa display monitor 52 and a keyboard 54. It will be understood thatportable computer system 50 may include multiple types of computersystems with multiple types of features, such as a laptop computer or aportable electronic device.

[0032] In addition, portable computer system 50 includes a portableelectronic device docking space 56. Portable electronic device dockingspace 56 may allow for sliding a portable electronic device from the topside 58 of the base of portable computer system 50 or through one of thelateral sides 59 of the base of computer system 10. The portableelectronic device docking space 56 is adaptable to connect to multipletypes, sizes and shapes of portable electronic devices. In an alternateembodiment, portable computer system 50 may support docking spaces formultiple portable electronic devices.

[0033] Within portable electronic device docking space 56, portablecomputer system 50 may establish a connection with a portable electronicdevice through an electronic, infrared, or other type of datatransmission connection. In addition, within portable electronic devicedocking space 56, computer system 50 may establish a power connectionwith a portable electronic device. Alternatively, portable electronicdevice docking space 56 may merely provide a structural support for theplacement of a portable electronic device, where the portable electronicdevice establishes data and power connections to computer system 50 viacables or another type of connector independent of portable electronicdevice docking space 56.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a block diagram ofa computer system with an external docking system for a portableelectronic device, in accordance with the method, system, and program ofthe present invention. As illustrated, computer system 60, similar tocomputer system 10 of FIG. 1, includes as peripheral devices a displaymonitor 62 and a keyboard 64.

[0035] In addition, a portable electronic device interface 66 isaccessible from computer system 10. Portable electronic device interface66 may comprise a fixed port or additional hardware connected to a port.Portable electronic device interface 66 is adaptable to connect tomultiple types and sizes of portable electronic devices. Further,portable electronic device interface 66 may provide both a dataconnection and power supply to a portable electronic device. In analternate embodiment, computer system 60 may support multiple portableelectronic device interfaces. Further, the portable electronic deviceinterface may be built into another peripheral device, such as akeyboard or a monitor.

[0036] With reference now to FIG. 4, there is depicted a block diagramof the computer system of FIG. 2 with a portable electronic device as aninput device, in accordance with the method, system, and program of thepresent invention. As illustrated, portable electronic device 75 isinserted in computer system 50. The features of portable electronicdevice 75 include input keys 77, handwriting recognition surface 78, andtouch screen 79. In an alternate embodiment, portable electronic device75 may include other features. Input keys 77 may include, but are notlimited to, depressable keys, a scroll tool, and other adjustable keys.A handwriting recognition surface 78 is enabled to detect handwrittensymbols, such that portable electronic device can translate thehandwritten symbol into a letter, number or other character. A touchscreen 79 detects applied pressure and movement. Portable electronicdevice 75 translates the position of pressure applied to touch screen 79into a cursor control entry.

[0037] Preferably, portable electronic device 75 is enabled to switchbetween multiple modes while inserted in computer system 50. A user mayprovide an input to computer system 50 or portable electronic device 75to request modes of operation. In the example, a user may select one ofthe modes of operation by pressing an input key 76. With each depressionof input key 76, portable electronic device 75 cycles to the next mode.In one of these modes, portable electronic device 75 may be set in aninput/output mode such that inputs received at portable electronicdevice 75 are received as inputs intended for controlling computersystem 50, not inputs for operating portable electronic device 75.Further, in input/output mode, portable electronic device 75 may receiveinformation from computer system 50 for output via an output interface.

[0038] While in input/output mode, the functionality of portableelectronic device 75 for processing inputs and outputs is stillrequired. In input/output mode, for example, a symbol detected onhandwriting recognition surface 78 is translated by portable electronicdevice 75 into a character and received by computer system 50 as input,as if, for example, from a keyboard or voice entry tool. In anotherexample, pressure and movement detected on touch screen 79 aretranslated by portable electronic device 75 into cursor control movementand received by computer system 50 as input, as if, for example, from amouse or other cursor controller. It will be understood, that in analternate embodiment of the present invention, portable electronicdevice 75 may provide other types of interfaces, the inputs to which aretranslated by portable electronic device 75 and transferred to computersystem 50 as inputs from a peripheral device. In addition, it will beunderstood that computer system 50 may transfer output data to portableelectronic device 75, such that any output interfaces of portableelectronic device 75 are utilized as part of another peripheral outputinterface available to computer system 50.

[0039] While portable electronic device 75 is operating in asynchronization mode, computer system 50 is also enabled to synchronizedata with portable electronic device 75, download data to portableelectronic device 75, and upload data from portable electronic device75. Software executing on computer system 50 may provide an interfacefor entering data synchronizable with data on portable electronic device75. In addition, computer system 50 may access software and data via anetwork connection and download that software or data to portableelectronic device 75. Advantageously, where computer system 50 supportsdocking of multiple portable electronic devices, computer system 50 maysynchronize the data between each of the devices.

[0040] Many portable electronic devices utilize rechargeable batteries.Computer system 50 is also enabled to recharge portable electronicdevice 75 while it is inserted in portable electronic device dockingspace 56. Recharge may occur in parallel with operation of portableelectronic device 75 is one of the described modes of operation.Computer system 50, however, may need to manage when recharging isavailable. For example, if computer system 50 is also running offbattery power alone, then computer system 50 may disengage rechargingunless a user requests recharging.

[0041] Further, as a security measure, computer system 50 includes amode of operation, during which computer system 50 will only operate ifan authorized portable electronic device is inserted into portableelectronic device docking space 56. Thus, portable electronic device 75may act as a key for access to computer system 50. In particular,portable electronic device 75 may be the only input device allowed foraccessing computer system 50.

[0042] Portable electronic device 50 may be identified, for example, bythe security identification number embedded in the processor affixedwithin portable electronic device 50. In addition, multiple authorizedportable electronic devices may be selected for key access to computersystem 50 according to identification number, user name, or othercriteria. Further, portable electronic device 75 may act as a keywithout which the user is only allowed access to certain software anddata accessible from computer system 50. In addition, if an unauthorizedportable electronic device is inserted into computer system for use,computer system 50 will attempt to locate whether the owner of computersystem 50 is logged into the network from another computer system andsend a message indicating unauthorized use.

[0043] Alternatively, to implement security in access to computer system50, computer system 50 may require that a user pass the securityrequirements of portable electronic device 75 before access to computersystem 50 is allowed. For example, the security functions for access toportable electronic device 75 may include matching a finger scan orother biometric input. By implementing secured access to computer system50 according to the security features of portable electronic device 75,only portable electronic device 75 has to be updated to take advantageof advances in security technology.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a block diagram ofthe computer system of FIG. 3, with a portable electronic device as aninput device, in accordance with the method, system, and program of thepresent invention. As depicted, portable electronic device 85 isconnected to portable electronic device interface 66 through anelectronic, infrared, or other type of data transfer link. Further,portable electronic device 85 may be connected to portable electronicdevice interface 66 to receive power. Computer system 60 is enabled tointeract with portable electronic device 85, in a manner similar to theinteraction between portable electronic device 75 and computer system 50described in FIG. 4. For example, a user may switch between modes ofoperation by depressing input key 76.

[0045] Portable electronic device 85 includes a speaker 87, a keypad 88,and a microphone 89. Preferably, portable electronic device 85 can beset in an input/output mode where inputs to portable electronic device85 are received as inputs to computer system 60, rather than inputsintended to control the operation of portable electronic deviceindependently. Further, output data detected at portable electronicdevice 85 is received as information for output via the output interfaceof portable electronic device 85. For example, in the input/output mode,computer system 60 will recognize portable electronic device 85 as amicrophone peripheral, a speaker system and a keypad device.

[0046] In addition, in the input/output mode, portable electronic device85 may need to process and translate data for output or input. Forexample, portable electronic device 85 may include voice recognitionfeatures for purposes of voice dialing. While in the input/output mode,portable electronic device may implement the voice recognition featureto match speech to a voice entry stored in portable electronic device.The voice entry indicates the name of a person that can be transferredto computer system 10 as a text input of a name. Computer system 10, ina messaging program, may match the textual name with a messaging addressand initiate a network based communication with that person. It will beunderstood, that in alternate embodiments, both the input and outputdevices and functions of portable electronic device 85 are available tocomputer system 60.

[0047] With reference now to FIG. 6, there is depicted a high levellogic flowchart of a process and program for controlling a portableelectronic device in accordance with the method, system, and program ofthe present invention. As illustrated, the process starts at block 100and thereafter proceeds to block 102. Block 102 depicts a determinationas to whether the portable electronic device detects docking orconnection with a main computer. If there is no detection, then theprocess iterates at block 102. If there is a detection of a connection,then the process passes to block 104.

[0048] Block 104 illustrates a determination as to what type of input isreceived when an input is received. If a synchronization request isreceived, then the process passes to block 106. Block 106 depictsinitiating a synchronization of the portable electronic device with themain computer by sending a synchronization signal to the main computer.The main computer and the portable electronic device will then transferdata, including software downloads from the main computer system to theportable electronic device, and the process ends.

[0049] If an input/output request is received, then the process passesto block 108. Block 108 depicts setting the portable electronic deviceto an input/output mode. In input/output mode, portable electronicdevice receives inputs as an input interface for controlling the maincomputer. Further, in input/output mode, portable electronic devicereceives signals from the main computer as output signals to an outputinterface. Next, block 109 illustrates transferring an input/output modesignal to the main computer so that the main computer will recognize theportable electronic device as an input/output interface, and the processends.

[0050] If a charge request is initiated, then the process passes toblock 110. Block 110 depicts initiating a connection to a power source,and the process ends. If a power source is not available from the maincomputer, the process may initiate a warning output for display to theuser that recharging is not occurring.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a high level logicflowchart of a process and program for controlling a main computer inaccordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention. As depicted, the process starts at block 120 and thereafterproceeds to block 122. Block 122 illustrates detecting the docking orconnection with a portable electronic device. The process iterates atblock 122 until a docking or connection with portable electronic deviceis detected, then the process passes to block 124. Block 124 depicts adetermination as to whether the computer system is operating in deviceauthorization mode. If the computer system is operating in deviceauthorization mode, then the process passes to block 126; otherwise theprocess passes to block 130.

[0052] Block 126 illustrates a determination as to whether the deviceidentification matches with the authorized identifications. Deviceidentification may be performed by matching the security identificationof the processor within the portable electronic device to the authorizedidentifications. In another example, a user may be required to provide abiometric input that matches with the authorized biometricidentifications. If the identification does not match, then the processpasses to block 128 and main computer use is disabled. Alternatively, ifthe identification does not match, use of certain software and datawithin the main computer may be blocked. If the identification doesmatch, then the process passes to block 130.

[0053] Block 130 depicts a determination as to what type of input isreceived from the portable electronic device when an input is received.If a synchronization initiation signal is received, then the processpasses to block 132 and the main computer initiates a synchronization ofdesignated data between the portable electronic device and maincomputer, and the process ends.

[0054] At block 130, if an input/output mode set signal is received,then the process passes to block 134. Block 134 illustrates setting theportable electronic device as an input/output peripheral device to themain computer, and the process ends. Inputs received from the portableelectronic device will then be received as inputs for controlling themain computer. The main computer can output data to portable electronicdevice for output via an output device of the portable electronicdevice.

[0055] In addition, at block 130, if a recharge request is received,then the process passes to block 136. Block 136 depicts a determinationas to whether an external power source is available to the main computeror if sufficient power is available to charge the battery of theportable electronic device from the power source of the main computer.If the power source is not available, then the process ends. If thepower source is available, then the process passes to block 138. Block138 illustrates enabling a power source to the portable electronicdevice, and the process ends.

[0056] It is important to note that while the present invention has beendescribed in the context of a fully functioning data processing system,those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the processes ofthe present invention are capable of being distributed in the form of acomputer readable medium of instructions and a variety of forms and thatthe present invention applies equally regardless of the particular typesof signal bearing media actually used to carry out the distribution.Examples of computer readable media include recordable-type media, suchas a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a RAM, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, andtransmission-type media, such as digital and analog communicationslinks, wired or wireless communications links using transmission forms,such as, for example, radio frequency and light wave transmissions. Thecomputer readable media may take the form of coded formats that aredecoded for actual use in a particular data processing system.

[0057] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A first computer system, comprising: means fordocking a second independent computer system in a first computer system;means for receiving an input to said second independent computer systemas an input for controlling said first computer system when said secondindependent computer system is docked in said first computer system; andmeans for synchronizing data between said first computer system and saidsecond computer system when said second independent computer system isdocked in said first computer system.
 2. The first computer system ofclaim 1, wherein when said second independent computer system isundocked, said input received at said second independent computer systemis utilized to control said second computer system.
 3. The firstcomputer system of claim 1, further comprising: means for sending anoutput signal from said first computer system to said second independentcomputer system as an output signal to an output interface of saidsecond independent computer system when said second independent computersystem is docked in said first computer system.
 4. The first computersystem of claim 1, said means for receiving an input to said secondindependent computer system as an input for controlling said firstsystem, further comprising: means for translating said input to saidsecond independent computer system into an input format recognizable bysaid first computer system.
 5. The first computer system of claim 1,wherein said first computer system is not operable unless said secondindependent computer system is docked.
 6. The first computer system ofclaim 1, wherein a selection of software and data on said first computersystem are only accessible when said second independent computer systemis docked.
 7. The first computer system of claim 1, wherein said firstcomputer system is not operable unless a user passes the securityrequirements of said second independent computer system.
 8. The firstcomputer system of claim 1, wherein said first computer system is alaptop computer and said second independent computer system is aportable electronic device.
 9. The first computer system of claim 1,wherein said first computer system is a first portable electronic deviceand said second independent computer system is a second portableelectronic device.
 10. The first computer system of claim 1, whereinsaid means for docking a second independent computer system comprises aspace within said first computer system.
 11. The first computer systemof claim 1, wherein said means for docking a second independent computersystem comprises a docking interface external to said first computersystem.
 12. The first computer system of claim 1, further comprising:means for recharging said second independent computer system from apower supply to said first computer system while said second independentcomputer system is docked in said first computer system.
 13. A methodfor controlling a first computer system, comprising: docking a secondindependent computer system in a first computer system; receiving aninput to said second independent computer system as an input forcontrolling said first computer system when said second independentcomputer system is docked in said first computer system; andsynchronizing data between said first computer system and said secondcomputer system when said second independent computer system is dockedin said first computer system.
 14. The method for controlling a firstcomputer system of claim 13, further comprising: responsive to detectingsaid second independent computer system undocked from said firstcomputer system, utilizing said input received at said secondindependent computer system to control said second independent computersystem.
 15. The method for controlling a first computer system of claim13, further comprising: sending an output signal from said firstcomputer system to said second independent computer system as an outputsignal to an output interface of said second independent computer systemwhen said second independent computer system is docked in said firstcomputer system.
 16. The method for controlling a first computer systemof claim 13, wherein receiving an input to said second independentcomputer system as an input for controlling said first system furthercomprises: translating said input to said second independent computersystem into an input format recognizable by said first computer system.17. The method for controlling a first computer system of claim 13,further comprising: only allowing operation of said first computersystem if said second independent computer system is docked.
 18. Themethod for controlling a first computer system of claim 13, furthercomprising: only allowing access to a selection of software and data onsaid first computer system when said second independent computer systemis docked.
 19. The method for controlling a first computer system ofclaim 13, further comprising: only allowing operation of said firstcomputer system if a user passes the security requirements for use ofsaid second independent computer system.
 20. The method for controllinga first computer system of claim 13, further comprising: recharging saidsecond independent computer system from a power supply to said firstcomputer system while said second independent computer system is dockedin said first computer system.
 21. A computer program product forcontrolling a first computer system, comprising: a recording medium;means, recorded on said recording medium, for docking a secondindependent computer system in a first computer system; means, recordedon said recording medium, for receiving an input to said secondindependent computer system as an input for controlling said firstcomputer system when said second independent computer system is dockedin said first computer system; and means, recorded on said recordingmedium, for synchronizing data between said first computer system andsaid second computer system when said second independent computer systemis docked in said first computer system.
 22. The computer programproduct for controlling a first computer system of claim 21, furthercomprising: means, recorded on said recording medium, for utilizing saidinput received at said second independent computer system to controlsaid second independent computer system, in response to detecting saidsecond independent computer system undocked from said first computersystem.
 23. The computer program product for controlling a firstcomputer system of claim 21, further comprising: means, recorded on saidrecording medium, for sending an output signal from said first computersystem to said second independent computer system as an output signal toan output interface of said second independent computer system when saidsecond independent computer system is docked in said first computersystem.
 24. The computer program product for controlling a firstcomputer system of claim 21, wherein receiving an input to said secondindependent computer system as an input for controlling said firstsystem further comprises: means, recorded on said recording medium, fortranslating said input to said second independent computer system intoan input format recognizable by said first computer system.
 25. Thecomputer program product for controlling a first computer system ofclaim 21, further comprising: means, recorded on said recording medium,for only allowing operation of said first computer system if said secondindependent computer system is docked.
 26. The computer program productfor controlling a first computer system of claim 21, further comprising:means, recorded on said recording medium, for only allowing access to aselection of software and data on said first computer system when saidsecond independent computer system is docked.
 27. The computer programproduct for controlling a first computer system of claim 21, furthercomprising: means, recorded on said recording medium, for only allowingoperation of said first computer system if a user passes the securityrequirements for use of said second independent computer system.
 28. Thecomputer program product for controlling a first computer system ofclaim 21, further comprising: means, recorded on said recording medium,for recharging said second independent computer system from a powersupply to said first computer system while said second independentcomputer system is docked in said first computer system.
 29. A method ofcontrolling a first computer system, comprising: docking a secondindependent computer system into said first computer system, wherein theonly allowable input device for said first computer system is saidsecond independent computer system; and utilizing at least one inputinterface of said second independent computer system as an input devicefor interfacing with said first computer system, wherein while saidsecond independent computer system is undocked from said first computersystem said at least one of said input interface and said outputinterface of said second independent computer system are peripheraldevices for interfacing with said second independent computer system.30. A first computer system secured by a second independent computersystem, comprising: a first computer system comprising a docking portfor a second independent computer system, wherein said secondindependent computer system comprises an input interface that controlsinputs to said second independent computer system; means for onlyallowing inputs to said first computer system from inputs made to secondindependent computer system while said second independent computersystem is docked in said docking port.
 31. A computer program productfor controlling a first computer system, comprising: a recording medium;means, recorded on said recording medium, for docking a secondindependent computer system into said first computer system, wherein theonly allowable input device for said first computer system is saidsecond independent computer system; and means, recorded on saidrecording medium, for utilizing at least one input interface of saidsecond independent computer system as an input device for interfacingwith said first computer system, wherein while said second independentcomputer system is undocked from said first computer system said atleast one of said input interface and said output interface of saidsecond independent computer system are peripheral devices forinterfacing with said second independent computer system.
 32. A portablecomputer system, comprising: means for docking said portable computersystem into a first computer system; means for operating said portablecomputer system in a first mode where inputs to said portable computersystem control said portable computer system while said portablecomputer system is docked into said first computer system; and means foroperating said portable computer system in a second mode where inputs tosaid portable computer system are implemented as inputs to said firstcomputer system while said portable computer system is docked into saidfirst computer system.
 33. The portable computer system of claim 32,wherein said means for operating in a second mode further comprises:means for receiving an output signal at said portable computer systemfrom said first computer system; and means for controlling output ofsaid output signal via an output interface of said portable computersystem.
 34. The portable computer system of claim 32, wherein said firstcomputer system is a laptop computer and said portable computer systemis a portable electronic device.
 35. The portable computer system ofclaim 32, wherein said first computer system is a first portableelectronic device and said portable computer system is a portableelectronic device.
 36. A method for controlling a portable computersystem, comprising: docking said portable computer system into a firstcomputer system; operating said portable computer system in a first modewhere inputs to said portable computer system control said portablecomputer system while said portable computer system is docked into saidfirst computer system; and operating said portable computer system in asecond mode where inputs to said portable computer system areimplemented as inputs to said first computer system while said portablecomputer system is docked into said first computer system.
 37. Themethod for controlling a portable computer system of claim 36, whereinoperating in a second mode further comprises: receiving an output signalat said portable computer system from said first computer system; andcontrolling output of said output signal via an output interface of saidportable computer system.
 38. A computer program product for controllinga portable computer system, comprising: a recording medium; means,recorded on said recording medium, for detecting docking of saidportable computer system into a first computer system; means, recordedon said recording medium, for operating said portable computer system ina first mode where inputs to said portable computer system control saidportable computer system while said portable computer system is dockedinto said first computer system; and means, recorded on said recordingmedium, for operating said portable computer system in a second modewhere inputs to said portable computer system are implemented as inputsto said first computer system while said portable computer system isdocked into said first computer system.
 39. The computer program productfor controlling a portable computer system of claim 38, whereinoperating in a second mode further comprises: means, recorded on saidrecording medium, for receiving an output signal at said portablecomputer system from said first computer system; and means, recorded onsaid recording medium, for controlling output of said output signal viaan output interface of said portable computer system.